Where Is T-Paw?

AMES, Iowa – The quadrennial Ames straw poll formally began here with a video shot at President Barack Obama and a parade of GOP presidential candidates onto the stage of the Hilton Coliseum at Iowa State University – but no Tim Pawlenty.

Rep. Michele Bachmann, former Sen. Rick Santorum, pizza magnate Herman Cain, libertarian firebrand Ron Paul, even longshot Rep. Thaddeus McCotter waved uncomfortably at the crowd in the arena, wondering exactly what they were supposed to be doing up there. But the candidate with the most on the lone, former Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty, was still outside, shaking hands with his supporters and hustling them to the straw poll.

The theme of the straw poll seems to be, “We’re doomed!” The Iowa Republican Party video showed President Obama in slow motion in various, haggard-looking poses as depressing economic headlines floated onto the screen. First up on the stage was Sen. Santorum, whose own video decried the collapse of the nation, the crumbling of family values and the end to hope – unless the GOP can save America.

“There is a positive future for our country if we do what our founders did, believe in our people,” Mr. Santorum said, opening the festivities. But he warned, “this country is in jeopardy of losing its freedom,” because of “one man and one bill, Obamacare.”

Outside the arena, Mr. Paul has set up a children’s fun park featuring a “Sliding Dollar” inflatable climbing wall and a Ben Bernanke, Dunk The Fed dunk tank.

About Washington Wire

Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.